Sunday, 2 March 2014

Google automotive project to bring Android to cars

When was the last time you used a car’s in-built system to figure out the fastest route to your destination or access your favourite playlists? Don’t worry, we can’t remember either.With tablets and smartphones becoming almost as common a household item as salt and pepper, infotainment systems are becoming increasingly obsolete, especially when you consider your smartphone’s inspired combination of auxiliary ports and Spotify helping to create the perfect soundtrack for your route to work.In an attempt to modernise infotainment systems and gain an inside edge over the world of tablets and smartphones, Google have teamed up with a group of notable automotive companies including General Motors, Honda, Audi and Hyundai to bring Android to their latest models. Car manufacturers will look to customize the operating system in order to best suit their models.The ultimate goal for the car companies is for drivers to use the infotainment system for regular tasks like navigation as well as enhance the passenger experience on the entertainment side of things.The announcement was made just before the official opening of the International Consumer Electronics Show held in Las Vegas and comes as part of the dominating ‘car-as-gadget’ theme.In the past carmakers have gone with custom in-car software systems, one example being Ford Motor collaborating with Microsoft on MyFord Touch. Others have tried to solve the problem through partnerships similar to those Google are now developing with automotive giants. In 2009, BMW, GM, Intel and others worked around the Linux operating system as part of the Genivi Alliance.With the help of Google’s most popular operating system, the automotive industry might just be able to save the future of the endangered infotainment system.